Women have an average of 456 periods in their life, which translates to 9,120 tampons used. At an average price of seven dollars for a box of 36 tampons, the total amount women spend on tampons is approximately $1,773.33.
One would typically use 3 to 5 pads or tampons a day, depending on your flow. In a year, the average cost of pads or tampons use (assuming each piece is $0.70) is already $168. In a span of 33 years, a woman would have spent about $5,544.
The average person who menstruates has about 450 periods in their lifetime; with an average of $20 spent on menstrual products per cycle, the cost builds over time to an estimated $9,000 over a lifetime.
It's estimated that up to 86% of women use tampons, up to 72% use pads, and 75% use panty liners. Most premenopausal women use menstrual hygiene products on a monthly basis and it is estimated that a woman will use up to 16,000 tampons in her lifetime.
During the average 40-year span that a person typically spends menstruating, an individual uses more than 9,000 tampons: 1 every 6 hours, or 20 for every average 5-day cycle. And those with heavier flows typically have to change their tampons more frequently to avoid leaking.
However, 3-6 products per day (pads or tampons) is normal. If you're using less than that, you may not be changing them enough for health and hygiene. If you're using more than that because they are filling up fast or leaking, you may want to try a bigger size.
Safety is first
But still, there are chances of getting TSS when you're using a sanitary pad, but the risk is the same as not using any feminine hygiene protection. But tampons can increase your chances of TSS compared to pads, so better know the symptoms and what to do if you think you have it.
Unlike the female reproductive system, boys do not have uterus and thus menstruation cannot occur. Therefore, it is biologically impossible for boys to have periods. However, boys during puberty may undergo mood swings or other emotional changes due to changing levels of the male sex hormone testosterone.
Globally, disposable menstrual pads are indispensable for women of childbearing potential, and it is estimated that a woman uses approximately 11,400 pads throughout her lifetime [2,3].
Many people report 'making do' during their periods. They'll use tissue paper from public toilets, pieces of clothing such as socks, or anything that will serve as a makeshift sanitary pad.
1800s to 1900: Turn of the century – From rags to riches? In European and North American societies through most of the 1800s, homemade menstrual cloths made out of flannel or woven fabric were the norm–think “on the rag.”
You will spend nearly 10 years of your life on your period
Added up, this equates to around 10 years — or about 3,500 days — of the average woman's life that will be spent menstruating. Translated into period products, this works out at around 11,000 tampons that the average woman uses in a lifetime.
Pads are usually seen as the less expensive, more convenient option. While they are cheaper and more accessible than tampons, they can also be a more environmentally-friendly option as they are often made from super-absorbent materials and don't need as many wrappings as tampons do.
A typical pad manufactured by an international brand costs typically around Rs. 6 or more and a domestic manufactured pad costs between Re. 1 to Rs. 3.
If the number of soaked tampons or pads is **sixteen or more** for the entire duration of your period (or **eight fully soaked maxi tampons or pads**), then your flow is heavy. If you note 80mL or more blood with your menstrual cup for one entire cycle, your flow is heavy.
Men experience similar symptoms to women when they go through hormonal imbalances. Many of them are similar to the female menstrual cycle including tiredness, cramps, increase sensitivity and cravings. According to one study, around 26 % of men experience these regular “man periods.” Men have hormonal cycles.
Infections include the rare but serious Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). It is safe to sleep with a tampon in as long as it's not for more than eight hours. So, if you can keep your night-time snooze to 8 hours or under, then you can wear a tampon overnight.
Some people might feel like their periods end faster when they use tampons, while others say that using pads seemingly shortens their period length because pads do not hamper period flow. However, there is no scientific evidence that either tampons or pads can make your period end faster.
Teach safe tampon use.
Some girls are successful even if they get no help at all. But any help at all can go a long way toward your daughter feeling comfortable with her body, and bravo for trying. Don't forget to tell them how to take the damn thing out!
If you notice on heavy days of your period that blood seems extra-thick, and can sometimes form a jelly-like glob, these are menstrual clots, a mix of blood and tissue released from your uterus during your period. They can vary in size and color, and usually, they are nothing to worry about.
Why does my tampon leak? Typically, a leaky tampon means you've left your tampon in for too long, or you're using the wrong absorbency. Be sure to change your tampon every 4-6 hours. If you find that you are leaking through your tampon after just four hours, it's time to start using the next absorbency up.